Page 95 of Uncrowned

“Perfect. I’ll let you get ready. I’ll be in the library reading. Just come get me when you’re done.”

“Thank you.”

The door shut behind her, and I let out a deep breath. Exploring the building was good. I couldn’t leave yet without ruining my cover, but maybe being out would give me ideas on what I should do next. Agent Marchase forbade me to leave, but maybe I wouldn’t have to make ground. Of course… it was a bit too early to do that. Time would be my biggest battle, but after a few weeks, it would be appropriate to start reaching out to possible connections. And I did have this new outlet.

I picked back up the newspaper, taking in the new headline as of this morning.

PUBLIC FASCINATION GROWS AS SEARCH FOR PENELOPE TAYLOR INTENSIFIES.

Public interest surrounding heiress Penelope Taylor has only continued to grow following reports confirming she is alive after months of being reportedly held captive. Despite authorities verifying her survival, officials have refused to disclose her location or release any public images, fueling widespread speculation across London and beyond.

Social media campaigns demanding answers have surged in recent days, with supporters referring to Taylor as “London's Lost Heiress”. Crowds are reportedly gathering outside multiple government buildings at the end of this week to demand increased transparency regarding the investigation.

King Lawrence has remained one of the most vocal figures pushing for answers. During a recent public appearance, the king briefly addressed the matter stating:

“Ms. Taylor has endured unimaginable circumstances. Every available resource should be used to ensure her safety and proper recovery.”

Palace insiders claim the Crown has privately urged authorities to bring Taylor into their own protective custody until the investigation concludes, though officials have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.

Meanwhile, public sympathy for the young heiress continues to rise as questions surrounding the deaths of Allen and Henrietta Taylor remain unanswered.

For now, the woman at the center of Britain's most discussed mystery remains unseen.

Unseen, but not unaware.

Putting down the paper, I walked over, opening the closet. I took out a black, long sleeve, oversized dress, sliding it on as my mind still raced over the article. Months ago, I would have hated the dress. Now, I liked the way I felt hidden inside the material—hidden, just like my thoughts. Like me. I didn’t want to be seen. Not yet.

I headed to the vanity, grabbing the brush to run down my long hair. My eyes were swollen, but I didn’t care as I placed the brush down and headed for the library. Marian was sitting in a chair, reading a book with an entwined couple on the cover. She smiled, placing in the bookmark and putting the book down as I headed in.

“Perfect timing. I just finished the chapter.”

She headed my way, but I couldn’t help but really look around the large library we stood in. I’d seen it on her tour, but I’d been so exhausted that all I cared about was going to my room. Now, I couldn’t help the interest that had me zeroing in on the titles.

“Are these all yours?”

Marian beamed a smile.

“They are. Do you read?”

“I love to read.”

“Really?” Her lips parted. “What sort of books do you like?”

“A little of everything. I love history. I hope to start reading that again. And adventure books… though. I…” Words got caught in my throat. “I’m sorry. I finished, The Thirty Adventures of Poppy Marlow before I was taken. I wasn’t impressed.”

Marian laughed. “I haven’t read that one. I’m in my Jen era.”

“Jen era?”

“It’s dark romance, but probably nothing you want to read. You can feel free to look around any time you want. I do believe I have some history books over there, and some touristy ones I got when I first moved to London. I’m sure it’s full of facts and history, although maybe you already know all of it. If there’s something you want that I don’t have, just write it down and give it to Cassandra. She’ll order it online for you.”

“Order. Oh… yes. That’s how I used to receive my books when the bookstore down the road didn’t have them.”

Order…

An idea sparked. Could an order be more than a purchase? Could it be a message?

Marian’s voice drew me from racing thoughts.